Blanco Ballet Studio vs National Exams
Blanco Ballet’s foundation is built upon the Cecchetti method of teaching ballet. This method is a graded system of ballet that teaches the technique for dancers to thrive and prevent injury. In order to teach in this method teachers must rigorously train with a Cecchetti mentor/coach and pass National exams at each level.
Students in the Cecchetti method usually enter into the graded system between ages 8-10 years of age. However, these classes are designed for all ages. The dancers study basic technique and posture in ballet grades (levels) 1 and 2. They build upon this technique in ballet grades (levels) 3 and 4. The professional levels begin after ballet grade 4.
National Exams:
Students take classes each week at their level. They are encouraged to take classes at all levels of ballet as well. Students are ready to take a National Exam, when they have mastered the exercises, theory, and presentation of their ballet level. This mastery could take 1-2 years of taking ballet classes. Each ballet level will require more time invested in classwork.
The National Exams are administered by The Cecchetti Board of Examiners. The Examiners have achieved the Diploma level of teaching in the Cecchetti method. The exam results are registered with the National office and the certificates of the dancers are honored at all Cecchetti studios in the United States. Students are expected to meet a national standard of ballet proficiency. National Exams usually take place in Austin and Dallas.
Requirements for National Exams:
A. Students interested in taking National exams will be required to take the following amount of classes for each level. These classes are required for the entirety of their training at that level.
Level 1 & 2: Two ballet classes each week with excellent attendance
Level 3 & 4: Three ballet classes each week with excellent attendance
Level 5 & 6: Four ballet classes each week with excellent attendance
B. Students must complete a studio exam first.
Studio Exams:
Studio Exams will be considered practice exams for the National Exam. They will also serve as the requirement for a dancer to move up a ballet level within the studio: A dancer can now move to their next level with a studio exam only. Studio exams will be given twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.
The class requirements for the Studio Exam will be the same as for National Exams. Studio Exams will allow dancers to move levels with more flexibility and allow students to progress without the potential stressor of a National Exam. All students will be eligible to take a National Exam after they complete the Studio Exam, if they have the desire to meet that goal. National Exams will take place during the summer.
Studio Exams are not considered official Cecchetti Exams, and are not recognized at the National level. However, the adjudicators of the Studio Exams will be former dancers and the exams will have similar standards and expectations. Studio exams will take place at our Uptown Blanco Studio.
